A Field Guide to a Warmer Future

Audubon scientists have used hundreds of thousands of citizen-science observations and sophisticated climate models to predict how birds in the U.S. and Canada will react to climate change. Our work defines the climate conditions birds need to survive, then maps where those conditions will be found in the future as the Earth’s climate responds to increased greenhouse gases.

It’s the broadest and most detailed study of its kind, and it’s the closest thing we have to a field guide to the future of North American birds.

Explore the Impacts

Audubon’s findings classify 314 species—nearly half of all North American birds—as severely threatened by global warming. Our interactive maps show how each of these at-risk birds’ potential ranges could expand, contract, or shift in both summer and winter as our climate changes.

Use our geographical search to see how climate could affect birds near you.

You Can Help

These findings are alarming, but within them also lies hope. For many species, the report has identified climate strongholds—geographic areas that will provide shelter against the onslaught of climate change. Audubon is mobilizing its vast network to protect these strongholds now, and you can join us.

This Is Just the Beginning

Protecting birds from climate change is a central pillar of Audubon’s mission. In the hands of the Audubon network around the country, this data will drive our conservation efforts now and into the future.

Going forward, we will be making this extraordinary data set more widely available outside of Audubon, both to further effective, targeted conservation efforts and to combine it with other open data sets to enable others to create powerful visualizations.

Because we believe everyone has a role to play in finding solutions that protect birds and people alike, we are compelled to get these tools in as many hands as possible. If you are a conservation or data visualization professional who is interested in learning more about this work and how you can participate, please get in touch.

Photo Credit: John Huba

You Can Help

It's easier than you think to make a difference. Become an Audubon member today to help birds facing climate change.

Share Your Pledge

Thank you for pledging to help save the birds most at risk from global warming. But we need everyone’s help–and soon.

Share this urgent message with your friends and family. Tell them why these at-risk birds are so important to you, and ask them to pledge to do their part, too.

Spread the word now

When you sign the pledge, you will begin receiving communications from Audubon. You can opt-out of these communications at any time.